Thursday, July 24, 2014

When Anxiety Gets Unbearable

On Monday, I mentioned an appointment next week for anti-anxiety medicine and I am very excited but also very nervous. As you might recall, I have written about anxiety often, including the quote from my friend about it being a chemical imbalance.

I believe that anxiety medicine can be necessary for some people and is very helpful in living life at a lower frequency level. I plan on searching for more alternative solutions, as well. As of now, I would not want to stay on anti-anxiety medicine indefinitely, but I do not know exactly how the medicine will affect me. My friends and family tell me that it makes it so that everything is easier to deal with.

I know that my high anxiety is not a constant thing, although it has reached an all time high. I have noticed that some of my OCD is stronger lately, as well. I am getting frustrated easier and Iman is doing his best to help me feel calm. What a wonderful husband to help me through this within our first three months of marriage. P.s. It was 3 months on Saturday!!

As I'm trying to pay more attention to my anxiety, I am also trying to pay more attention to living intentionally. I realized that the last few months have just breezed by without too much reflection. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but reflection is one of my biggest anxiety reducers. So I am trying to reflect more. I am thinking of starting a journal again.

Yoga has been a wonderful way to reduce my stress and anxiety. I read Brooklyn from A Little Too Jolley's post "5 Reasons to Try Yoga" and I couldn't agree more with them. I am also realizing that I sit up straighter and stand taller. It is a wonderful feeling, physically.

I have also realized that working at the restaurant helps me. I mentioned this on Instagram yesterday. When I have specific tasks with small accomplishments the completion of each task motivates me to keep going and the easy tasks at work help me to focus my mind away from my (sometimes unfounded) worries.

If you're looking for some advice on dealing with a panic attack or prevent it, I wrote a list out here. I will let you all know how my psychiatrist and lab tests (checking for thyroid) go next week.

As always, if you suffer from anxiety and need anyone to talk to you can reach out to me via email or any social media!

Life isn't constant. You can never know what will happen. So, if you need anxiety medicine now, use it. One thing I have learned about myself and life is that it changes constantly and there's no use to beat yourself up for something that you need and that helps you.

I totally totally feel you with this post. I used to have really bad anxiety and was totally afraid of taking medicine. Life changes and our bodies change constantly. If you need medicine now, you wont need it forever.

I can relate SO much it's ridiculous. I haven't seen a doctor about anxiety to be honest... I get anxious even thinking about it. One holistic tip I've learned when I'm having an anxiety attack is to inhale deeply and slowly, then exhale quickly. It really helps take the edge off. Hope it helps!

Congrats on being so newly married! (our 1yr was this past april) it is so wonderful that you have such a husband to help you through these times, I know how much it means to me that my hubby is so understanding and supportive of me with my health issues. God bless friend

This is wonderful. I have both anxiety and panic disorders (along with clinical depression) and so fighting with anxiety and panic attacks are absolutely awful and it's hard to get other's to understand what's going on inside of you when it gets to be "too much". I was put on meds after a panic attack landed me in the hospital ( I actually shared my story @ http://www.sincerelyalaska.blogspot.com/2014/07/living-with-anxiety-panic-disorder.html ) from unconsciously self-harming. I hated them at first but eventually I realized that they were actually helping me to feel more normal and get through my day with less panic/feelings of terror. Meds aren't for everyone and they don't take over your life but they really do help. You got this! The feelings won't and can't last forever. You are a strong and fierce hearted woman! :)

I have issues with depression, who don't anymore? I happen to have some magic pills my doctor prescribes for me a month in advance to when it gets too tough. (before you judge, I am married but act as a single mom raising 3 boys with autism and I can't drink...so the pills help). Life is such a journey, we're intended to enjoy the ride =)

Knock on wood, my anxiety has been easily tamed lately. Writing is definitely helpful. I started writing in a gratitude journal again so I could focus on the positive occurrences in my day. Learning yoga breathing techniques has definitely been helpful, too. I'm not much of a runner, but there are those moments when I just have to put on my sneakers and run it out. And definitely keep your mind and body busy so you don't lend any time to focus on anxiety. I thank goodness for DIY projects because they keep me focused on creativity and not my inner demons! I hope the medicine helps you.

Be careful when you try anxiety medication. I did not have a very good experience with anxiety medication in the past. While my day to day was easier it didn't get rid of my anxiety and when I would have a bad day it was REALLY bad. I once laid down in the snow for 5 hours without a jacket on because of it. I am sure you will make the right decision for you just make sure you are aware of how the medication is effecting you. My next venture in kicking my anxiety/ocd in the butt is seeing a psychologist. Hopefully it helps and good luck to you.

I've had anxiety for years, to the point that I was on medication for that and depression. I decided (without talking to my dr so probably not a good idea) to stop taking them and while it was rough at first, I realized how quickly I could manage it on my own. I still have it, and some days I still wish I had the medication, but I feel so much more fulfilled being able to battle it on my own. I hope it goes well for you!

I think I need to pick up on doing yoga. I also can have times of high anxiety (and general constant dreadful worry about ridiculous things) and this may help. Does it sound silly that the idea of going on anxiety medicine makes me anxious? I'm worried about what the medicine would do to me.

I have suffered from anxiety for most (if not all) of my life. I have always chickened out of medication due to..well, my anxiety (lol I have to find humor in it). I go through bouts where it is terrible and then I have times where I am okay for a while. I am so interested to hear how the meds work for you.

Thank you so much Jamie! That is exactly what I am trying to do. I have been talking to everyone I know who is on some form of medication for mental illness and disorders and they all say the same thing as you! :)

Ohh, I will have to try that! I really want to start trying essential oils, as well. Definitely go see a doctor if you need. Try not to have anxiety about them because they truly just want to help you!

Thank you so, so much for sharing your story with me! I am happy the medication is helping you with your disorders as well. I've always known I had them, I just was able to control them without medication. But my body has changed and so have my life circumstances, Each day is different, we can get through them!

Thank you so much Jessica! I'm happy your anxiety has been easily tamed lately. I am going to try all of these things you've listed! I am committing myself to yoga, journaling and the gym. It is hard because for me, I always want to have more friend time or feel behind with work, but I need to realize that I can be more efficient and also, live more in the moment with friends if I take care of me first.

I have always struggled with finding a way to release my endorphins besides laughter. Working out has never given me that happy feeling that yoga does, and I'm so happy to have finally found it! Thank you for the advice!!!

Thank you so much for your words and advice!! I am definitely pairing my anxiety medicine with a psychologist. I previously went to see a psychologist when my anxiety was bad (it was not as bad as this) and she works wonders! I believe that the medication can help in some ways, but learning the techniques to overcoming anxiety through the guidance of a psychologist is unmatched. I have learned EFT through my psychologist, as well as the fact that to have less panic attacks, I need to face my emotions. I no longer have the crippling panic attacks I did because I was keeping my emotions bottled up. I do have a constant sense of anxiety and tightness in my chest, though. Which is why I am going to see the psychiatrist. Previously, my anxiety would come unannounced and now it is a constant fear that I feel.

Thank you so much Ashley! I have spent years managing my anxiety without medication and am looking for the medication to help me temporarily so I can get back on track to learning to manage my anxiety without.

This does not sound silly at all Chelsea! I have the exact same fear! I have been asking everyone I know who is on anti-anxiety medicine or depression medicine questions to ease my anxiety. I think another reason we have anxiety about this medication is because we think there might be a societal stigma, which is why I am trying to bring the subject to light so that we can fight the stigma together.

That is exactly how I have always felt Christen! I have a few friends and family members that have gone on medication and found that it helps them immensely. So this time I think I will brave the waters and see what happens. I will definitely be sharing my story on how it all goes!

It certainly helped to realize that I can't do it all, I can't worry about what I can't control and that it's all right to put myself first. I hope yoga, the gym, writing and everything else you can do helps!

I'm so glad you're able to get the help you feel you need and that you're managing your panic attacks better. Mine used to come out of nowhere and still sometimes does but I'm experiencing the constant fear more often like you are. While I wouldn't wish this on anyone it's comforting to know I'm not alone.